How Animation Works
The magic of moving pictures
The magic of moving pictures
Your brain holds onto images for a fraction of a second. When images change fast enough, they blend together into smooth motion.
Your brain retains each image for about 1/25th of a second. That's why movies at 24 frames per second look smooth!
Frame rate is how many images show per second. More frames = smoother motion. Movies use 24 FPS, games often use 60 FPS.
Some gamers can perceive differences up to 144 FPS or higher! High refresh rate monitors make fast games feel incredibly smooth.
Animators use "onion skinning" to see previous and next frames as ghost images. This helps them draw smooth motion between poses.
The name "onion skinning" comes from the old days when animators drew on thin paper called onion skin, which was translucent enough to see through!
Now it's your turn! Draw on each frame below to create your own animation. Try drawing a bouncing ball or a walking stick figure.
You've discovered the magic behind animation - from persistence of vision to frame rates and onion skinning.
Your brain blends rapid images into smooth motion
More frames per second = smoother animation
Ghost frames help animators draw smooth motion
Even simple drawings can come alive with animation!
Put your new knowledge into practice!